In our How to Paint Everything series, we look at how to paint well, everything! We look at different models and techniques and have multiple approaches to specific models. In today’s article, we’re looking at how to paint Angel and Archangel for Marvel: Crisis Protocol.
The models built easily with minimal mould lines to remove. My only hope is that at some point Atomic Mass Games releases a new set of bases. We’ve had the same city bases since the game’s release, and when models like Archangel have non-city elements, you need to do your own modifications to make them work.
As a side note, I will use Citadel paint colours for the paint recommendations as their range is generally the one most people have access to. In reality I’ve used a wide range of whatever paints I had available and mixed them together on the palette to make the shade I want.
Both models were primed with Chaos Black from Citadel.
Archangel
Base
Before priming I added some Citadel Astrogranite to give the texture of sand. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t the correct colour as it would be covered in primer anyway.
I did a full base layer of Rhinox Hide followed by a drybrush of Mournfang Brown and Balor Brown. I wanted to try and get the colours on the base similar to what was being reflected on the wings. As a final touch I have some cheap oil pastels that I used on the raised sand areas to give some variety.
Body
For his body I base coated everything in Macragge Blue and use Scale 75 Magenta for the pink parts (even though I said I would reference everything to Citadel paints they don’t seem to have a good dark Magenta). For his face, I used primarily Caledor Sky blending with Macragge Blue for the darkest recesses.
Wings
I wanted to try a sky/earth non-metallic metal/chrome effect for the wings. I’m not sure I quite achieved what I was trying to do, but I think it is important as a miniature painter to push yourself to try new techniques.
I first had to sketch out where I thought the reflections would be. I used a light grey to sketch out where the lightest areas would end up and left the darker areas primed black.
Where the wings were angled down to the ground and in a central area they were brown representing the reflection off to the horizon. Where the wings angled up they were blue to represent the reflection of the sky.
With this in mind I used a fairly formulaic approach to the wings from the sky areas to the earth areas.
SKY
- Dark Blue – Macragge Blue
- Lighter Blue approaching White – Caledor Sky
- Pure White on the horizon line – White Scar
- Pure Black on the other side of the horizon line – Abaddon Black / Black Fineliner
- Dark Brown to represent the mountains – Rhinox Hide
- Lighter brown – Mournfang Brown
- Sandy brown – Balor Brown
EARTH
Each of these were applied roughly where I wanted them and then blended (or in my case attempted to blend) to the next section. At the horizon line it was important to have a relatively sharp transition between the sky and horizon so there was no blending there.
Full disclosure on the process. I wasn’t happy with my placement of the sky and earth transitions at multiple times and had to move them around. If i had planned out better with my sketch step I might not have had to do this so it’s important to sketch things out properly before you start.
As a final touch to get into the dark areas between the wing blades and on the horizon edge I used a black permanent fineliner pen from Molotow. Using pens for recess shading is common in hobbies like Gunpla but I rarely see people doing it in miniature wargaming. I find it gives a nice level of control on areas like this however you need to be a little careful as the pen can ‘skip’ across flat surfaces.
Final Note
A better painter than me would now do secondary reflections for where the wings reflect the body. I also wasn’t sure how the smaller wings on the back would reflect the main wings. Overall I am relatively happy with how it ended up but I know more practice could let me do it better.
Angel
Body
For his body, I started with a base coat of Mechanicus Standard Grey all over. Then I blended up to a mix of Mechanicus Standard Grey with White Scar for all the white areas. I find the key with white in general is to use pure white sparingly and keep it primarily grey.
For the red areas I used a base coat of Khorne Red blending my way up to Evil Sunz Scarlet at the raised areas.
For the face I did a base coat of Bugman’s Glow working my way up to Kislev Flesh in the raised areas.
Wings
For the wings I looked at some reference photos for bird wings. In the comics Angel’s wings are often white but I wanted something a little more visually interesting. I settled on something similar to a Barn Owl’s wings which I think has worked well here.
I base coated the wings with Skrag Brown all over. Then while still wet I blended a 60 / 40 mix of Administratum Grey and White Scar from the wing tips down toward the main wing area. Finally I did a recess shade of Seraphim Sepia to give a brown/yellow tone.
Final Thoughts
Overall this miniature was a joy to paint without too many tiny details that can get in the way of the overall look sometimes. Thank you to Atomic Mass Games for providing access to these miniatures early.
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